Universal Studios, Orlando is a great theme park to visit when you’re in Orlando, Florida. There are so many things to do, so if you only have a day to spend there, it can be difficult deciding what to do. Here are my ideas for the best way to spend a day in Universal Studios, Orlando.
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1. Take a photo with the Universal sign
For the best way to spend a day in Universal Studios, Orlando, start your day taking a photo with the Universal sign at the entrance to Universal Studios. It’s such an iconic logo, and really impressive to see it full-sized. It’s a great chance for a photo before you get inside the park.
2. Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter
I’m a massive fan of Harry Potter, so for me the best way to spend a day in Universal Studios, Orlando is to focus on the Harry Potter world. There’s a huge area in both parks that are focussed on Harry Potter, and you can easily spend hours here. Check out a map of the whole area on the website.
Start off with a trip down Diagon Alley, and make sure you go inside some of the shops as well. I loved the Weasleys’ joke shop, and it was amazing to actually feel like I was in the world of Harry Potter in the shops.
There’s also Knockturn Alley as well, and you can get a photo with Hagrid’s motorbike. And don’t forget to look up to spot the dragon on the roof of Gringott’s bank.
Having a glass of Butterbeer is a must, and the iced version is really refreshing on a hot, sunny Florida day.
Then it’s time to take the Hogwarts Express to the other park to continue your Harry Potter experience.
You leave the Hogwarts Express in the village of Hogsmede, and it’s not long before you get an amazing view of the huge Hogwarts castle. It’s so impressive, and the detail on the model is just amazing.
One of my favourite rides in the Universal theme park is the Hippogriff roller coaster. It’s a relatively gentle one – you’re not strapped in properly so it doesn’t go upside down or anything too scary. But it’s still fast, so gives you a good thrill! The whole Harry Potter experience is just amazing.
3. Laugh at the Simpsons
Once you can drag yourself away from the Harry Potter attractions, you can spend the rest of the day enjoying some of the other attractions in the park. I enjoyed The Simpsons area, with a ride and the shop you see in the TV shows. You might spot one of The Simpsons walking around if you’re lucky!
4. Ride the Jurassic park log flume
Another top tip for the best way to spend a day in Universal Studios, Orlando is to ride the Jurassic Park log flume. This was another of my favourite rides. The boat trip past the dinosaurs is really cool, and the big drop on the log flume fills you with adrenaline, as well as getting you soaked!
5. Get scared in King Kong’s Scull Island
For the final thing to do in Universal Studios, Orlando, head to the King Kong ride. It’s a really cool simulation, that’s a bit scary but mostly exhilarating. It’s another of the fun things to do in this great theme park before it’s time to head home.
Enjoy the best way to spend a day in Universal Studios, Orlando! Don’t forget to check out this guide to Florida to help you plan your trip (affiliate). Florida has some great other attractions as well. Check out Disney World, Sea World, and the Kennedy Space Center. And plan some time in the rest of the state, where you can visit Miami, the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
